Officials got it right: Commissioner

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PERRY LEFKO -- Toronto Sun

HAMILTON -- The commissioner of the Canadian Football League stands behind a controversial call officials made in the Argos-Ottawa Renegades game at the Rogers Centre.

Tom Wright, speaking after a board of governors meeting yesterday, said the officials made the correct call in not allowing a fumble recovery, which Renegades defensive back Greg Moss returned for a touchdown in the third quarter. The play came with the Argos ahead 17-11. They won the game 29-18.

The Renegades insisted after the game the officials were influenced by replays of the play on the JumboTron which showed running back John Avery hit the ground before the ball was dislodged.

The officials did not immediately blow the whistle, suggesting the play stood, but huddled before the Renegades kicked the extra point and gave the ball to Toronto.

"I think our officials made the right call," Wright said. "Now did they make it as quickly as I would have like to have seen it made? Probably not. But in the end they made the right call and I think that's all the fans really want and the teams really want."

The CFL tripled its financial investment in officiating in the off-season and Wright said the perception is it has improved.

"Is it perfect? Good lord, no, because it's still humans, but it has improved," he said.

Wright said the CFL is planning to go ahead with instant replay, likely as early as next season. A presentation is to be made for discussion at the CFL's meetings in January.

Wright also talked about the on-going CBC lockout, and said regardless of whether or not it is resolved there will be commentary by announcers for games televised in the playoffs and Grey Cup. CBC is scheduled to televise all the games.

"I have every confidence between TSN, CBC and ourselves, we'll do the responsible things that's right for Canadian fans," Wright said. "I firmly believe there will be a solution that Canadians will watch the Grey Cup with commentary. One of the solutions may be that the lockout is over."